schiller-wine: Introduction in the Courtyard, Cellar Tour, Tasting and Bottling at Domaine Loïc Mahé, with Loïc Mahé

Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Introduction in the Courtyard, Cellar Tour, Tasting and Bottling at Domaine Loïc Mahé, with Loïc Mahé - Loire Valley 2025 by ombiasy WineTours

The Loire Tour 2025 by ombiasy WineTours took place from Sunday, October 5 to Thursday, October 16, 2025. The tour started in Nantes and ended in Sancerre, with a bus transfer and lunch in Paris. There were 9 of us including Annette and myself.

This morning we explored the AOP Savennières appellation.

The fact that great Chenin Blanc, bursting with power, depth, elegance, and freshness, are produced in Savennières, just a bit south of Angers, is not on everyone’s radar. These wines compete with the great Chardonnays of Burgundy. The reputation comes from some seriously strict regulations in the AOP Savennières concerning vinification: Chenin Blanc is the only grape allowed in the region, harvesting must be by hand, and mandatory low yields guarantee optimal flavor and ripeness in each grape.

At Domaine Loïc Mahé, AOP Savennières, Anjou, Loïc Mahé was our host. We spent some time in the courtyard of the winery, before we visited the cellar. We came back to the courtyard for an al fresco tasting.

Loire 2025 by ombiasy WineTours led by Annette Schiller

Annette Schiller in her announcement: What comes to your mind when you hear ‘Loire Valley’? Of course images of glorious Châteaux pop up in your mind. Yes that is true and we will visit some iconic château and dig deep into France’s history. However, during this wine tour we also discover a magnificent, but often overlooked French wine region and one of the most exciting best kept secrets of excellent, high quality wines at very reasonable prices. The Loire Valley wine region is a vast area and consists of several distinct wine regions, each with its own characteristic grapes, appellations, and wine style. We take you on a journey from the Atlantic Ocean to the Auvergne mountains to explore this unique region. We learn to appreciate “Sancerre”, "Pouilly-Fumé", “Vouvray", “Chinon”, as well as many other not so familiar appellations.

Domaine Loïc Mahé, AOP Savennières, Anjou (ombiasy WineTours)

The Domaine is a rather young wine estate but quickly earned the reputation as one of the premium Chenin Blanc producers. After working as an advisor at the local Chamber of Agriculture, Loïc Mahé planted his first vines in 2000 in Savennières. Today, he has 15 acres planted entirely with Chenin Blanc.

From day one he worked according to organic and biodynamic principles and in the meantime the Domaine is certified by Ecocert. The soil here is distinct and makes for some of the best Chenin Blanc produced anywhere. He is a direct neighbor of the famous Coulée de Serrant vineyard. Loïc’s vineyards have the two primary soils of Savennières: the classic schist (sometimes called shale) of the region, and loess (a windblown sand), locally called sables”.

Loïc holds back the wines a couple of years before release to give them the time to build up weight and to add intensity.

Loïc Mahé (UVA Imports)

“The working philosophy is simple: to accompany the work of nature to produce balanced and authentic wines which express the typicality of Savennières.”

3 wines

4.3 hectares

100% native Yeast

✓ ORGANIC

Loïc’s passion for farming propelled him into winemaking. Organically certified since 2011, Loïc includes many biodynamic sprays and principles in his process. The main task is to fortify the soil, by limiting soil impact, growing various cover crops, and by introducing domestic animals and encouraging wild animals in the vineyards. With restricted yields and hand-harvested fruit, slow fermentations with vineyard yeast develop the depth required to make memorable wines. The vinification that follows is with minimal sulfur and maturing in thoughtfully selected vessels of amphora, sandstone eggs, oak, and fiberglass. A clear expression of the terroir, Loïc delivers wines with incredible intensity, complexity, and focus.

LOCATION: France

REGION: Loire Valley > Savennières

WINEMAKER AND OWNER: Loïc Mahé

FARMING: Certified organic with biodynamic sprays and herbal treatments with a complex ecosystem of hedgerows, trees, and grasslands. 4.3 Hectares in total.

KEY GRAPE VARIETIES: Chenin Blanc

Arriving